US20150229282A1 - Transmitter System With Reconfigurable Amplifiers - Google Patents
Transmitter System With Reconfigurable Amplifiers Download PDFInfo
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- US20150229282A1 US20150229282A1 US14/422,625 US201314422625A US2015229282A1 US 20150229282 A1 US20150229282 A1 US 20150229282A1 US 201314422625 A US201314422625 A US 201314422625A US 2015229282 A1 US2015229282 A1 US 2015229282A1
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- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F1/00—Details of amplifiers with only discharge tubes, only semiconductor devices or only unspecified devices as amplifying elements
- H03F1/42—Modifications of amplifiers to extend the bandwidth
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F1/00—Details of amplifiers with only discharge tubes, only semiconductor devices or only unspecified devices as amplifying elements
- H03F1/02—Modifications of amplifiers to raise the efficiency, e.g. gliding Class A stages, use of an auxiliary oscillation
- H03F1/0205—Modifications of amplifiers to raise the efficiency, e.g. gliding Class A stages, use of an auxiliary oscillation in transistor amplifiers
- H03F1/0288—Modifications of amplifiers to raise the efficiency, e.g. gliding Class A stages, use of an auxiliary oscillation in transistor amplifiers using a main and one or several auxiliary peaking amplifiers whereby the load is connected to the main amplifier using an impedance inverter, e.g. Doherty amplifiers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F3/00—Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements
- H03F3/189—High-frequency amplifiers, e.g. radio frequency amplifiers
- H03F3/19—High-frequency amplifiers, e.g. radio frequency amplifiers with semiconductor devices only
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F3/00—Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements
- H03F3/20—Power amplifiers, e.g. Class B amplifiers, Class C amplifiers
- H03F3/24—Power amplifiers, e.g. Class B amplifiers, Class C amplifiers of transmitter output stages
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F3/00—Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements
- H03F3/60—Amplifiers in which coupling networks have distributed constants, e.g. with waveguide resonators
- H03F3/602—Combinations of several amplifiers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F3/00—Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements
- H03F3/68—Combinations of amplifiers, e.g. multi-channel amplifiers for stereophonics
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/02—Transmitters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to amplifiers
- H03F2200/111—Indexing scheme relating to amplifiers the amplifier being a dual or triple band amplifier, e.g. 900 and 1800 MHz, e.g. switched or not switched, simultaneously or not
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to amplifiers
- H03F2200/36—Indexing scheme relating to amplifiers the amplifier comprising means for increasing the bandwidth
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to amplifiers
- H03F2200/451—Indexing scheme relating to amplifiers the amplifier being a radio frequency amplifier
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03F—AMPLIFIERS
- H03F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements covered by H03F3/00
- H03F2203/72—Indexing scheme relating to gated amplifiers, i.e. amplifiers which are rendered operative or inoperative by means of a control signal
- H03F2203/7209—Indexing scheme relating to gated amplifiers, i.e. amplifiers which are rendered operative or inoperative by means of a control signal the gated amplifier being switched from a first band to a second band
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/02—Transmitters
- H04B1/04—Circuits
- H04B2001/0408—Circuits with power amplifiers
Definitions
- the invention relates to an amplifier, an amplifier arrangement, a transmitter and a transmitter system.
- high-frequency power amplifiers are often operated in the AB-mode, that is to say, a base bias voltage is generated by means of a bias configuration, for example, in the form of series-connected diodes, which even at low levels drive the transistors used to full output.
- a bias configuration for example, in the form of series-connected diodes, which even at low levels drive the transistors used to full output.
- small signals such as in the A mode
- large signals such as in the B mode
- Such amplifiers operate with good efficiency with a particularly low-distortion, but only if they are operated with full level control close to compression. In the case of modern digital signals with strongly fluctuating envelope, this is only the case with the very rarely occurring signal peaks. Since the mean level control with these signals is low, a relatively low average efficiency is obtained. With suitable dimensioning, AB amplifiers with a very broad bandwidth can be realised.
- Doherty amplifiers are known.
- mobile-radio technology especially in the case of modulation methods with non-constant envelope and high crest factor (for example COFDM signals)
- high-frequency amplifiers according to the Doherty principle have become increasingly widespread over recent years.
- the German Patent Application DE 10 2010 034 067 A1 discloses such a Doherty amplifier.
- the disadvantage with such amplifiers is that they provide only a very narrow bandwidth.
- the invention is based upon the object of providing an amplifier, an amplifier arrangement, a transmitter and a transmitter system, with which a high efficiency can be achieved and which can be used over a broad frequency range. Furthermore, a simple, cost-favourable maintenance should be made possible.
- a main amplifier and an auxiliary amplifier are connected at the output end by means of a coupler.
- the first output of the coupler is terminated with a capacitor, an inductance or an LC element.
- the second output of the coupler here is the power output.
- the configuration of the first output in this context determines the frequency range of the Doherty amplifier.
- the first output of the coupler is terminated with a load-balancing resistor, for example, of 50 ⁇ . This load-balancing resistor acts in a stabilising manner.
- the second output of the coupler the actual power output of the amplifier
- the reflected power flows back via the coupler to the main amplifier and auxiliary amplifier.
- These then operate in an asymmetrical manner as a result of the phase difference of the signal reflected from the coupler.
- the difference signal of the two amplifiers is absorbed in the load-balancing resistor, a mutual influence between the main amplifier and auxiliary amplifier does not occur. Accordingly, any damage to the amplifier can be avoided.
- the aim is now to be able to change from a Doherty mode into a broadband mode during operation without physical switching. Accordingly, during operation, nothing can be changed in the configuration of the first output of the coupler. By preference, in the operational case, nothing can be switched over at the termination. However, the termination of the amplifier in the AB mode via a load-balancing resistor is necessary only if the output is not optimally matched. But if the power output is optimally matched, the configuration of the termination of the coupler plays no role whatsoever.
- the AB mode is a manner of operation in which the amplifier operates in the largely linear characteristic range but with a high power loss.
- a Doherty configuration of the first output of the coupler is therefore used according to the invention. This occurs independently of the Doherty mode or broadband mode.
- the main amplifier and/or the auxiliary amplifier provide an operating point adjustable during operation. Accordingly, they can each be used for the AB mode or the C mode. If both amplifiers are adjusted for the AB mode, the amplifier is disposed in the broadband mode. However, if one of the amplifiers, preferably the main amplifier, is adjusted for the C mode, the amplifier is disposed in the Doherty mode. In the Doherty mode, the amplifier provides a narrow bandwidth, but a very high efficiency. In the broadband mode, the amplifier provides a very broad bandwidth but a relatively lower efficiency.
- the C mode is a manner of operation in which the amplifier operates within the no longer linear characteristic range but with low power loss.
- An amplifier arrangement preferably contains a first amplifier as described above and a second amplifier as described above and a control device for the independent adjustment of the operating points of the main amplifier and/or auxiliary amplifier of the respective amplifiers.
- the amplifiers are to be operated independently of one another in each case in the Doherty mode or in the broadband mode. Accordingly, if one of the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangement fails, it can be replaced by an amplifier with arbitrary Doherty frequency range. If the frequency range agrees with the frequency range of the amplifier arrangement, the newly introduced amplifier operates in the Doherty mode. If the frequency does not agree, it operates in the broadband mode.
- control device preferably detects the frequency range of every amplifier of the amplifier arrangement or reads it out of the memory which is preferably a part of the respective amplifier. This therefore ensures that every amplifier is operated in the Doherty mode only when the frequency ranges agree.
- control device is preferably embodied to communicate a required frequency range of the amplifier arrangement to all amplifiers.
- the amplifiers are then embodied to operate in the Doherty mode when the required frequency range corresponds to their frequency range and to operate in the broadband mode when this is not the case.
- the amplifier arrangement preferably comprises a reflection detector and an attenuation element.
- the reflection detector is embodied to detect reflections at an output of the amplifier arrangement. In a preferred manner, it therefore provides a directional coupler, which reroutes only signals reflected at the signal output.
- the attenuation element is then embodied to adjust an attenuation factor dependent upon reflections detected by the reflection detector. This ensures that no components of the amplifier arrangement are damaged by excessively strong reflections. This is achieved by increasing the attenuation factor when high reflections are detected.
- the amplifier arrangement further comprises a phase-adjustment element which is embodied to compensate phase hops in the event of an adjustment of the operating point of the main amplifier and/or of the auxiliary amplifier of at least one of the amplifiers. In this manner, undesired phase hops in the event of a change of the operating points can be avoided.
- a transmitter according to the invention preferably contains at least one first and one second amplifier arrangement as described above.
- the transmitter provides a desired frequency range. All of the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the transmitter operate in the Doherty mode within the desired frequency range of the transmitter or in the broadband mode.
- the individual amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements preferably operate in the Doherty mode when their frequency ranges correspond to the desired frequency range of the transmitter. If they do not correspond to the desired frequency range, or the signalling of the desired frequency range is not successful for arbitrary reasons, they preferably operate in the broadband mode. In this context, they preferably receive the desired frequency range from a transmitter control or obtain it communicated from the control device of the respective amplifier arrangement.
- a transmitter system preferably contains a first and second transmitter as described above and furthermore a redundant transmitter.
- the redundant transmitter preferably contains a first amplifier arrangement and a second amplifier arrangement, as already described. Accordingly, the redundant transmitter is out of operation so long as all of the other transmitters of the transmitter system are in operation and/or provide a given minimum power. The redundant transmitter is in operation as soon as a transmitter of the transmitter system is out of operation. This means that the transmitter system can still operate if one of the transmitters fails or does not provide the given minimum power.
- the individual amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the transmitters preferably operate in the Doherty mode when their frequency ranges correspond to the desired frequency range of the transmitter. If they do not correspond to the desired frequency range or the signalling of the desired frequency range is not successful for arbitrary reasons, they preferably operate in the broadband mode. Accordingly, they preferably receive the desired frequency range from a transmitter control or have it communicated from the control device of the respective amplifier arrangement.
- all of the amplifiers of an amplifier arrangement operate in the same mode. They all operate in the Doherty mode if all of their frequency ranges correspond to the desired frequency range. They all operate in the broadband mode as soon as a frequency range does not correspond to the desired frequency range or the signalling of the frequency range to one of the amplifiers does not function.
- the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the redundant transmitter operate in the Doherty mode when the frequency ranges of the amplifiers correspond to the frequency range of the transmitter of the transmitter system disposed out of operation.
- the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the redundant transmitter then operate in the broadband mode when the frequency ranges of the amplifiers do not correspond to the frequency range of the transmitter disposed out of operation.
- the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the redundant transmitter always operate in the broadband mode. A tuning of the remaining configuration of the redundant transmitter for a Doherty mode is then not necessary. Since the redundant transmitter only operates anyway in the event of a failure of one of the other transmitters, a relatively lower efficiency of the redundant transmitter can be taken into account.
- the redundant transmitter provides in each case at least one amplifier arrangement with a frequency range of each of the other amplifier arrangements of the transmitter system.
- the redundant transmitter can be used only in the broadband mode.
- the redundant transmitter can be used as a replacement-part store for the other transmitters. As soon as an amplifier arrangement of one of the other transmitters fails, an amplifier arrangement of corresponding frequency range can be removed from the redundant transmitter to replace the faulty amplifier arrangement of the actual transmitter.
- the transmitter system provides a redundant amplifier arrangement of an arbitrary frequency range.
- the latter is not in operation but is held in reserve as a replacement part.
- the transmitter system is then embodied to allow a removal of the failed amplifier arrangement during operation in the event of a failure of an amplifier arrangement of a transmitter, to allow a removal of an amplifier arrangement of the corresponding frequency range from the redundant transmitter, to allow an introduction of the amplifier arrangement of the redundant transmitter instead of the failed amplifier arrangement and/or to allow a replacement of the amplifier arrangement of the redundant transmitter with the redundant amplifier arrangement.
- FIG. 1 an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier according to the invention in a block-circuit diagram
- FIG. 2 frequency ranges of an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier according to the invention in the Doherty mode and in the broadband mode;
- FIG. 3 an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier arrangement according to the invention
- FIG. 4 an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter system according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 frequency ranges of several amplifiers of an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter system according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 the general construction and functioning of a Doherty amplifier, a broadband amplifier and, especially, an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier according to the invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 the different frequency ranges of the various amplifiers are presented.
- FIG. 3 The construction and functioning of an exemplary embodiment of an amplifier arrangement according to the invention is shown with reference to FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 The construction and functioning of an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter system according to the invention and the transmitter according to the invention are explained on the basis of FIG. 4-FIG . 5 . In some cases, the presentation and description of identical elements in similar drawings has not been repeated.
- FIG. 1 shows an amplifier 1 .
- This contains a signal input 11 which is connected to a first input of a first coupler 10 .
- a load-balancing resistor 13 is connected and is connected at its remote end to a ground terminal 14 .
- the coupler 10 is connected at its output to a main amplifier 15 and an auxiliary amplifier 16 .
- the auxiliary amplifier 16 comprises an operating-point adjustment terminal 17 , by means of which the operating point of the auxiliary amplifier 16 can be adjusted.
- the main amplifier 15 can also comprise such a terminal.
- the outputs of the main amplifier 15 and of the auxiliary amplifier 16 are connected in this context to a second coupler 18 .
- a first output 19 of the second coupler 18 is connected to a termination 2 .
- the termination 2 here provides a parallel capacitor 24 connected to a ground terminal 25 .
- the termination 2 provides an inductance 21 , connected in series to a capacitor 22 at a ground terminal 23 .
- the termination 2 is not fixed to this precise configuration. A configuration with only a single inductance or capacitor or an LC element or a filter structure comprising inductances and/or capacitors is also possible.
- the second coupler 18 comprises a second output 20 which is the power output of the amplifier 1 .
- the amplifier 1 If the main amplifier 15 is operated in the AB mode, and the auxiliary amplifier 16 in the C mode, the amplifier 1 operates in the Doherty mode. The frequency range is then adjusted by the termination 2 . However, if the operating point of the auxiliary amplifier 16 is varied by means of the operating-point adjustment terminal 17 in such a manner that the auxiliary amplifier 16 also operates in the AB mode, the amplifier 1 then operates in the broadband mode. If the output 20 is optimally tuned, no reflections occur at the output 19 . That is, the signals arriving at the output 19 are completely cancelled. The configuration of the output 19 and therefore the termination 2 are therefore irrelevant.
- auxiliary amplifier 16 it is possible to change from a Doherty mode to a broadband mode and back again without physical switching of the termination 2 , only by varying the operating point of the auxiliary amplifier 16 .
- the roles of the main amplifier 15 and of the auxiliary amplifier 16 are also exchangeable in this context.
- the main amplifier 15 provides an operating-point adjustment terminal, the latter can also, of course, be operated in the C mode as an alternative.
- the operation of the amplifier 1 described above is problematic if the output terminal 20 is not tuned optimally. In this case, reflections occur, which are supplied to the auxiliary amplifier 16 and to the main amplifier 15 via the coupler 18 with phase-position offset by 90°.
- the auxiliary amplifier 16 and the main amplifier 15 then operate with different load impedances.
- the difference signal of the auxiliary amplifier 16 and main amplifier 15 is then disposed at the output 19 of the coupler 18 . Since no load-balancing resistor which absorbs the difference signal is connected to the output 19 , this signal is also reflected to the auxiliary amplifier 16 and main amplifier 15 .
- a mutual influence of auxiliary amplifier 16 and main amplifier 15 then occurs, which, in the worst case, can lead to instability and damage to components. Measures for avoiding such damage will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 2 shows a frequency range 30 of an amplifier 1 in the Doherty mode.
- a frequency range 31 of the amplifier 1 in the broadband mode is also shown. It is clearly evident that the amplifier 1 provides a significantly wider frequency range 31 in the broadband mode than in the Doherty mode. Only a frequency range 30 of the amplifier 1 in the Doherty mode is shown here.
- the frequency range 30 can be displaced in the direction towards higher or lower frequencies. However, a change of the bandwidth is possible only within very narrow limits.
- FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier arrangement 60 according to the invention.
- the amplifier arrangement 60 contains a signal input 41 which is connected to a phase adjustment element 42 .
- the latter is connected to an attenuation element 43 which is connected in turn to a pre-amplifier 44 .
- the pre-amplifier 44 is connected in turn to a signal splitter 40 .
- the signal splitter 40 is connected to a plurality of amplifiers 1 a - 1 d which correspond to the amplifier 1 from FIG. 1 .
- the outputs of the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d are each connected to a signal combiner 49 .
- each of the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d additionally comprises an operating-point adjustment terminal by means of which the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d are connected to a control device 56 .
- the control device 56 is further connected to a phase-adjustment element 42 and a control input 57 .
- the signal combiner 49 in this context is connected via a reflection detector 50 to a signal output 51 .
- the reflection detector 50 preferably contains a directional coupler 52 which is connected at its one terminal via an ohmic resistor 53 to a ground terminal 54 . At a second terminal, the directional coupler 52 is connected via a diode 55 to the attenuation element 43 .
- a signal to be amplified is supplied at the signal input 41 .
- a phase position of the supplied signal is adjusted via the phase-adjustment element. This adjustment is implemented controlled by the control device 56 .
- the resulting signal is supplied to the attenuation element 43 and optimally attenuated by the latter.
- a resulting signal is supplied to the pre-amplifier 44 and pre-amplified by the latter with a fixed amplification factor.
- the attenuation element 43 can be dispensed with.
- the reflection detector is connected directly to the pre-amplifier 44 and adjusts the pre-amplification factor.
- the pre-amplified signal is distributed via the signal splitter 40 to the respective amplifiers 1 a - 1 d .
- the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d amplify the signal. It is combined by the signal combiner 49 and output at the signal output 51 .
- the reflection detector 50 detects the reflections reflected back from the output terminal 51 by means of the diode 55 .
- the output signal of the diode 55 thus serves directly for the adjustment of the attenuation factor of the attenuation element 43 , respectively of the pre-amplification factor of the pre-amplifier 44 as an alternative if no attenuation element 43 is installed. In this manner, the amplitude of the signal supplied to the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d is reduced if reflections are detected. This serves for the protection of the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d.
- the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d operate in the Doherty mode provided their respective frequency range corresponds to a desired frequency range of the amplifier arrangement 60 .
- This is monitored by the control device 56 .
- the control device 56 can read out what the frequency ranges of the individual amplifiers 1 a - 1 d are.
- the control device 56 then adjusts the individual amplifiers 1 a - 1 d in turn in order to operate in the Doherty mode or in the broadband mode.
- a Doherty mode is thus adjusted if the frequency ranges agree.
- a broadband mode is adjusted if the frequency ranges do not agree.
- the control device 56 merely communicates to the individual amplifiers 1 a - 1 d the desired frequency range of the amplifier arrangement 60 .
- the individual amplifiers 1 a - 1 d are then adjusted automatically to operate in the Doherty mode if the desired frequency range of the amplifier arrangement 60 corresponds to their own frequency range, and set a broadband mode if this is not the case.
- the amplifiers 1 a - 1 d preferably operate in the broadband mode if an error occurs in the transmission of the desired frequency range of the amplifier arrangement 60 . This can safely prevent an amplifier from being operated in the incorrect frequency range.
- the desired frequency range of the amplifier arrangement 60 is communicated to the control device 56 .
- FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter system 80 according to the invention.
- the latter provides a first transmitter 61 , a second transmitter 62 and a third transmitter 63 . Furthermore, it provides a redundant transmitter 64 .
- the first transmitter 61 in this context provides amplifier arrangements 61 a - 61 d .
- the latter each provide a first frequency range B 1 .
- the second transmitter 62 accordingly provides amplifier arrangements 62 a - 62 d .
- the latter each have a second frequency range B 2 .
- the third transmitter 63 provides amplifier arrangements 63 a - 63 d .
- the latter each have a frequency range B 3 .
- the redundant transmitter 64 provides amplifier arrangements 64 a - 64 d .
- the amplifier arrangement 64 a has a frequency range B 3 .
- the amplifier arrangement 64 B accordingly provides a frequency range B 1 .
- the amplifier arrangement 64 c provides the frequency range B 2 .
- the amplifier arrangement 64 d has the frequency range B 3 .
- the transmitter system 80 contains a control device 71 , which is embodied to control the transmitters 61 - 64 , to switch on the redundant transmitter 64 when required and to switch off the transmitters 61 - 63 when required. It also communicates to the redundant transmitter which transmitter 61 - 63 it should take over from.
- the transmitter system contains a switching and combining device 73 , which provides signal inputs 70 a - 70 c.
- the signals of the different frequency ranges B 1 -B 3 are supplied via these signal inputs 70 a - 70 c .
- the switching and combining device 73 distributes the signals to the transmitters 61 - 64 and combines output signals of the transmitters 61 - 64 .
- An input signal is supplied to the switching and combining device 73 via the terminals 70 a - 70 c and supplied from the latter to the transmitters 61 - 63 and to the redundant transmitter 64 . Provided no fault is present, only the transmitters 61 - 63 operate. The redundant transmitter 64 is then deactivated. This is controlled by the control device 71 .
- the transmitters 61 - 63 distribute the signal to the individual amplifier arrangements 61 a - 61 d , 62 a - 62 d and 63 a - 63 d .
- the individual amplifier arrangements 61 a , 61 b , 61 c , 61 d , 62 a , 62 b , 62 c , 62 d , 63 a , 63 b , 63 c , 63 d amplify the signal in their respective frequency range and communicate it back to the switching and combining device 73 , which combines and outputs the signal at the signal output 72 .
- the presentation of further elements of the transmitter respectively the transmitter system, such as, filters etc. has been omitted here.
- the output power in the corresponding frequency range B 1 -B 3 is no longer sufficient.
- the respective transmitter 61 - 63 is deactivated, and the redundant transmitter 64 is activated instead.
- This control is implemented by the control device 71 .
- the redundant transmitter 64 in the exemplary embodiment shown here always operates in the broadband mode. That is, the efficiency of the transmitter system 80 declines as a result of the use of the redundant transmitter 64 .
- the failure of, for example, a single amplifier arrangement of a transmitter 61 - 63 would be tolerated.
- the changeover to the redundant transmitter 64 is implemented.
- the changeover can also already be implemented in the event of a failure of the first amplifier arrangement.
- the redundant transmitter 64 could contain only amplifier arrangements 64 a - 64 d of a single frequency range B 1 , B 2 or B 3 .
- the redundant transmitter 64 can be operated in the Doherty mode in its respective frequency range B 1 , B 2 or B 3 , if it replaces a transmitter 61 , 62 or 63 of corresponding frequency range. However, if it replaces a transmitter of different frequency range B 1 , B 2 or B 3 , it then operates in the broadband mode.
- the redundant transmitter 64 can serve at the same time as a replacement-part store for the other transmitters 61 - 63 . If an amplifier arrangement 61 a - 63 d of one of the transmitters 61 - 63 fails, an amplifier arrangement 64 a - 64 d of the corresponding frequency range can be taken from the redundant transmitter 64 to replace the failed amplifier arrangement. However, in order to keep in reserve in all of the transmitters 61 - 63 and within the redundant transmitter 64 only functioning amplifier arrangements, an additional redundant amplifier arrangement 90 is necessary as a replacement part. In this case, the latter provides a frequency range B 3 .
- a replacement with an arbitrary amplifier arrangement 64 a , 64 b , 64 c , 64 d of the redundant transmitter 64 can be implemented.
- FIG. 5 provides an overview of possible frequency ranges 30 a - 30 c of different amplifiers in the Doherty mode.
- the frequency range 31 of an amplifier in the broadband mode is shown. It is clearly evident that the frequency ranges 30 a - 30 c overlap at least partially. This ensures that a continuous frequency range is covered by the amplifiers in the Doherty mode.
- the invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment presented.
- different numbers of amplifiers, respectively amplifier arrangements, respectively transmitters can also be used.
- Multiply nested Doherty amplifiers can also be used. All of the features described above or shown in the drawings can be arbitrarily combined with one another in an advantageous manner within the scope of the invention.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to an amplifier, an amplifier arrangement, a transmitter and a transmitter system.
- Conventionally, high-frequency power amplifiers are often operated in the AB-mode, that is to say, a base bias voltage is generated by means of a bias configuration, for example, in the form of series-connected diodes, which even at low levels drive the transistors used to full output. In the AB mode, small signals, such as in the A mode, and large signals, such as in the B mode, are amplified. Such amplifiers operate with good efficiency with a particularly low-distortion, but only if they are operated with full level control close to compression. In the case of modern digital signals with strongly fluctuating envelope, this is only the case with the very rarely occurring signal peaks. Since the mean level control with these signals is low, a relatively low average efficiency is obtained. With suitable dimensioning, AB amplifiers with a very broad bandwidth can be realised.
- Furthermore, to improve the efficiency of such signals, Doherty amplifiers are known. In mobile-radio technology, especially in the case of modulation methods with non-constant envelope and high crest factor (for example COFDM signals), high-frequency amplifiers according to the Doherty principle have become increasingly widespread over recent years. For example, the German Patent Application DE 10 2010 034 067 A1 discloses such a Doherty amplifier. However, the disadvantage with such amplifiers is that they provide only a very narrow bandwidth.
- In conventional transmitter systems, several Doherty amplifiers are used. Since these are embodied in each case with a narrow bandwidth, such transmitter systems provide a redundant transmitter, which can take over the function of a failed transmitter. However, so that the redundant transmitter can take over the function of every Doherty transmitter independently of its frequency range, this redundant transmitter is conventionally designed with a broad bandwidth. Accordingly, in an exemplary transmitter system with three different Doherty frequencies, transmitters with at least four different amplifier arrangements are installed. This incurs a high cost for keeping corresponding replacements in reserve.
- The invention is based upon the object of providing an amplifier, an amplifier arrangement, a transmitter and a transmitter system, with which a high efficiency can be achieved and which can be used over a broad frequency range. Furthermore, a simple, cost-favourable maintenance should be made possible.
- The object is achieved according to the invention for the amplifier by the features of the
independent claim 1, for the amplifier arrangement by the features of claim 5, for the transmitter by the features ofclaim 10 and for the transmitter system by the features ofclaim 11. Advantageous further developments form the subject matter of the dependent claims relating back to these claims. - In the case of a conventional Doherty amplifier, a main amplifier and an auxiliary amplifier are connected at the output end by means of a coupler. In this context, the first output of the coupler is terminated with a capacitor, an inductance or an LC element. The second output of the coupler here is the power output. The configuration of the first output in this context determines the frequency range of the Doherty amplifier. By contrast, in the case of a conventional AB amplifier, the first output of the coupler is terminated with a load-balancing resistor, for example, of 50Ω. This load-balancing resistor acts in a stabilising manner. If the second output of the coupler, the actual power output of the amplifier, is incorrectly matched, the reflected power flows back via the coupler to the main amplifier and auxiliary amplifier. These then operate in an asymmetrical manner as a result of the phase difference of the signal reflected from the coupler. The difference signal of the two amplifiers is absorbed in the load-balancing resistor, a mutual influence between the main amplifier and auxiliary amplifier does not occur. Accordingly, any damage to the amplifier can be avoided.
- With the amplifier according to the invention, the aim is now to be able to change from a Doherty mode into a broadband mode during operation without physical switching. Accordingly, during operation, nothing can be changed in the configuration of the first output of the coupler. By preference, in the operational case, nothing can be switched over at the termination. However, the termination of the amplifier in the AB mode via a load-balancing resistor is necessary only if the output is not optimally matched. But if the power output is optimally matched, the configuration of the termination of the coupler plays no role whatsoever. The AB mode is a manner of operation in which the amplifier operates in the largely linear characteristic range but with a high power loss.
- By preference, a Doherty configuration of the first output of the coupler is therefore used according to the invention. This occurs independently of the Doherty mode or broadband mode.
- In this context, the main amplifier and/or the auxiliary amplifier provide an operating point adjustable during operation. Accordingly, they can each be used for the AB mode or the C mode. If both amplifiers are adjusted for the AB mode, the amplifier is disposed in the broadband mode. However, if one of the amplifiers, preferably the main amplifier, is adjusted for the C mode, the amplifier is disposed in the Doherty mode. In the Doherty mode, the amplifier provides a narrow bandwidth, but a very high efficiency. In the broadband mode, the amplifier provides a very broad bandwidth but a relatively lower efficiency. The C mode is a manner of operation in which the amplifier operates within the no longer linear characteristic range but with low power loss.
- An amplifier arrangement according to the invention preferably contains a first amplifier as described above and a second amplifier as described above and a control device for the independent adjustment of the operating points of the main amplifier and/or auxiliary amplifier of the respective amplifiers. In this context, the amplifiers are to be operated independently of one another in each case in the Doherty mode or in the broadband mode. Accordingly, if one of the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangement fails, it can be replaced by an amplifier with arbitrary Doherty frequency range. If the frequency range agrees with the frequency range of the amplifier arrangement, the newly introduced amplifier operates in the Doherty mode. If the frequency does not agree, it operates in the broadband mode.
- In this context, the control device preferably detects the frequency range of every amplifier of the amplifier arrangement or reads it out of the memory which is preferably a part of the respective amplifier. This therefore ensures that every amplifier is operated in the Doherty mode only when the frequency ranges agree.
- Alternatively, the control device is preferably embodied to communicate a required frequency range of the amplifier arrangement to all amplifiers. The amplifiers are then embodied to operate in the Doherty mode when the required frequency range corresponds to their frequency range and to operate in the broadband mode when this is not the case.
- Furthermore, the amplifier arrangement preferably comprises a reflection detector and an attenuation element. In this context, the reflection detector is embodied to detect reflections at an output of the amplifier arrangement. In a preferred manner, it therefore provides a directional coupler, which reroutes only signals reflected at the signal output. The attenuation element is then embodied to adjust an attenuation factor dependent upon reflections detected by the reflection detector. This ensures that no components of the amplifier arrangement are damaged by excessively strong reflections. This is achieved by increasing the attenuation factor when high reflections are detected.
- By particular preference, the amplifier arrangement further comprises a phase-adjustment element which is embodied to compensate phase hops in the event of an adjustment of the operating point of the main amplifier and/or of the auxiliary amplifier of at least one of the amplifiers. In this manner, undesired phase hops in the event of a change of the operating points can be avoided.
- A transmitter according to the invention preferably contains at least one first and one second amplifier arrangement as described above. In this context, the transmitter provides a desired frequency range. All of the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the transmitter operate in the Doherty mode within the desired frequency range of the transmitter or in the broadband mode.
- Accordingly, the individual amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements preferably operate in the Doherty mode when their frequency ranges correspond to the desired frequency range of the transmitter. If they do not correspond to the desired frequency range, or the signalling of the desired frequency range is not successful for arbitrary reasons, they preferably operate in the broadband mode. In this context, they preferably receive the desired frequency range from a transmitter control or obtain it communicated from the control device of the respective amplifier arrangement.
- A transmitter system according to the invention preferably contains a first and second transmitter as described above and furthermore a redundant transmitter. In this context, the redundant transmitter preferably contains a first amplifier arrangement and a second amplifier arrangement, as already described. Accordingly, the redundant transmitter is out of operation so long as all of the other transmitters of the transmitter system are in operation and/or provide a given minimum power. The redundant transmitter is in operation as soon as a transmitter of the transmitter system is out of operation. This means that the transmitter system can still operate if one of the transmitters fails or does not provide the given minimum power.
- In this context, the individual amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the transmitters preferably operate in the Doherty mode when their frequency ranges correspond to the desired frequency range of the transmitter. If they do not correspond to the desired frequency range or the signalling of the desired frequency range is not successful for arbitrary reasons, they preferably operate in the broadband mode. Accordingly, they preferably receive the desired frequency range from a transmitter control or have it communicated from the control device of the respective amplifier arrangement.
- Alternatively, in this context, all of the amplifiers of an amplifier arrangement operate in the same mode. They all operate in the Doherty mode if all of their frequency ranges correspond to the desired frequency range. They all operate in the broadband mode as soon as a frequency range does not correspond to the desired frequency range or the signalling of the frequency range to one of the amplifiers does not function.
- By particular preference, the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the redundant transmitter operate in the Doherty mode when the frequency ranges of the amplifiers correspond to the frequency range of the transmitter of the transmitter system disposed out of operation. The amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the redundant transmitter then operate in the broadband mode when the frequency ranges of the amplifiers do not correspond to the frequency range of the transmitter disposed out of operation.
- By preference, the amplifiers of the amplifier arrangements of the redundant transmitter always operate in the broadband mode. A tuning of the remaining configuration of the redundant transmitter for a Doherty mode is then not necessary. Since the redundant transmitter only operates anyway in the event of a failure of one of the other transmitters, a relatively lower efficiency of the redundant transmitter can be taken into account.
- By preference, the redundant transmitter provides in each case at least one amplifier arrangement with a frequency range of each of the other amplifier arrangements of the transmitter system. In this case, the redundant transmitter can be used only in the broadband mode. However, it is advantageous here that the redundant transmitter can be used as a replacement-part store for the other transmitters. As soon as an amplifier arrangement of one of the other transmitters fails, an amplifier arrangement of corresponding frequency range can be removed from the redundant transmitter to replace the faulty amplifier arrangement of the actual transmitter.
- By preference, the transmitter system provides a redundant amplifier arrangement of an arbitrary frequency range. In this context, the latter is not in operation but is held in reserve as a replacement part. The transmitter system is then embodied to allow a removal of the failed amplifier arrangement during operation in the event of a failure of an amplifier arrangement of a transmitter, to allow a removal of an amplifier arrangement of the corresponding frequency range from the redundant transmitter, to allow an introduction of the amplifier arrangement of the redundant transmitter instead of the failed amplifier arrangement and/or to allow a replacement of the amplifier arrangement of the redundant transmitter with the redundant amplifier arrangement.
- Accordingly, only a single amplifier arrangement of an arbitrary Doherty frequency range is necessary as a replacement-part store for the transmitter system. This considerably reduces the cost for keeping replacement parts in reserve.
- In the following, the invention is described by way of example on the basis of the drawings in which advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings show:
-
FIG. 1 an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier according to the invention in a block-circuit diagram; -
FIG. 2 frequency ranges of an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier according to the invention in the Doherty mode and in the broadband mode; -
FIG. 3 an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier arrangement according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter system according to the invention; and -
FIG. 5 frequency ranges of several amplifiers of an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter system according to the invention. - Initially, the general construction and functioning of a Doherty amplifier, a broadband amplifier and, especially, an exemplary embodiment of the amplifier according to the invention will be explained with reference to
FIG. 1 . With reference toFIG. 2 , the different frequency ranges of the various amplifiers are presented. The construction and functioning of an exemplary embodiment of an amplifier arrangement according to the invention is shown with reference toFIG. 3 . The construction and functioning of an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter system according to the invention and the transmitter according to the invention are explained on the basis ofFIG. 4-FIG . 5. In some cases, the presentation and description of identical elements in similar drawings has not been repeated. -
FIG. 1 shows anamplifier 1. This contains asignal input 11 which is connected to a first input of afirst coupler 10. At a second input of thecoupler 10, a load-balancingresistor 13 is connected and is connected at its remote end to aground terminal 14. Thecoupler 10 is connected at its output to amain amplifier 15 and anauxiliary amplifier 16. In this context, theauxiliary amplifier 16 comprises an operating-point adjustment terminal 17, by means of which the operating point of theauxiliary amplifier 16 can be adjusted. Optionally, themain amplifier 15 can also comprise such a terminal. The outputs of themain amplifier 15 and of theauxiliary amplifier 16 are connected in this context to asecond coupler 18. - Accordingly, a
first output 19 of thesecond coupler 18 is connected to atermination 2. Thetermination 2 here provides aparallel capacitor 24 connected to aground terminal 25. Furthermore, thetermination 2 provides aninductance 21, connected in series to acapacitor 22 at aground terminal 23. In this context, however, thetermination 2 is not fixed to this precise configuration. A configuration with only a single inductance or capacitor or an LC element or a filter structure comprising inductances and/or capacitors is also possible. By means of the components of thetermination 2 here, the frequency range of theamplifier 1 is adjusted in the Doherty mode. Furthermore, thesecond coupler 18 comprises asecond output 20 which is the power output of theamplifier 1. - If the
main amplifier 15 is operated in the AB mode, and theauxiliary amplifier 16 in the C mode, theamplifier 1 operates in the Doherty mode. The frequency range is then adjusted by thetermination 2. However, if the operating point of theauxiliary amplifier 16 is varied by means of the operating-point adjustment terminal 17 in such a manner that theauxiliary amplifier 16 also operates in the AB mode, theamplifier 1 then operates in the broadband mode. If theoutput 20 is optimally tuned, no reflections occur at theoutput 19. That is, the signals arriving at theoutput 19 are completely cancelled. The configuration of theoutput 19 and therefore thetermination 2 are therefore irrelevant. Accordingly, it is possible to change from a Doherty mode to a broadband mode and back again without physical switching of thetermination 2, only by varying the operating point of theauxiliary amplifier 16. The roles of themain amplifier 15 and of theauxiliary amplifier 16 are also exchangeable in this context. Similarly, if themain amplifier 15 provides an operating-point adjustment terminal, the latter can also, of course, be operated in the C mode as an alternative. - However, the operation of the
amplifier 1 described above is problematic if theoutput terminal 20 is not tuned optimally. In this case, reflections occur, which are supplied to theauxiliary amplifier 16 and to themain amplifier 15 via thecoupler 18 with phase-position offset by 90°. Theauxiliary amplifier 16 and themain amplifier 15 then operate with different load impedances. The difference signal of theauxiliary amplifier 16 andmain amplifier 15 is then disposed at theoutput 19 of thecoupler 18. Since no load-balancing resistor which absorbs the difference signal is connected to theoutput 19, this signal is also reflected to theauxiliary amplifier 16 andmain amplifier 15. A mutual influence ofauxiliary amplifier 16 andmain amplifier 15 then occurs, which, in the worst case, can lead to instability and damage to components. Measures for avoiding such damage will be described with reference toFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 2 shows afrequency range 30 of anamplifier 1 in the Doherty mode. Afrequency range 31 of theamplifier 1 in the broadband mode is also shown. It is clearly evident that theamplifier 1 provides a significantlywider frequency range 31 in the broadband mode than in the Doherty mode. Only afrequency range 30 of theamplifier 1 in the Doherty mode is shown here. By varying thetermination 2, thefrequency range 30 can be displaced in the direction towards higher or lower frequencies. However, a change of the bandwidth is possible only within very narrow limits. -
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of theamplifier arrangement 60 according to the invention. Theamplifier arrangement 60 contains asignal input 41 which is connected to aphase adjustment element 42. The latter is connected to anattenuation element 43 which is connected in turn to apre-amplifier 44. Thepre-amplifier 44 is connected in turn to asignal splitter 40. Thesignal splitter 40 is connected to a plurality ofamplifiers 1 a-1 d which correspond to theamplifier 1 fromFIG. 1 . The outputs of theamplifiers 1 a-1 d are each connected to asignal combiner 49. In this context, each of theamplifiers 1 a-1 d additionally comprises an operating-point adjustment terminal by means of which theamplifiers 1 a-1 d are connected to acontrol device 56. Thecontrol device 56 is further connected to a phase-adjustment element 42 and acontrol input 57. Thesignal combiner 49 in this context is connected via areflection detector 50 to asignal output 51. - The
reflection detector 50 preferably contains adirectional coupler 52 which is connected at its one terminal via anohmic resistor 53 to aground terminal 54. At a second terminal, thedirectional coupler 52 is connected via adiode 55 to theattenuation element 43. - A signal to be amplified is supplied at the
signal input 41. A phase position of the supplied signal is adjusted via the phase-adjustment element. This adjustment is implemented controlled by thecontrol device 56. The resulting signal is supplied to theattenuation element 43 and optimally attenuated by the latter. A resulting signal is supplied to thepre-amplifier 44 and pre-amplified by the latter with a fixed amplification factor. Alternatively, theattenuation element 43 can be dispensed with. In this case, the reflection detector is connected directly to thepre-amplifier 44 and adjusts the pre-amplification factor. The pre-amplified signal is distributed via thesignal splitter 40 to therespective amplifiers 1 a-1 d. Theamplifiers 1 a-1 d amplify the signal. It is combined by thesignal combiner 49 and output at thesignal output 51. In this context, thereflection detector 50 detects the reflections reflected back from theoutput terminal 51 by means of thediode 55. The output signal of thediode 55 thus serves directly for the adjustment of the attenuation factor of theattenuation element 43, respectively of the pre-amplification factor of the pre-amplifier 44 as an alternative if noattenuation element 43 is installed. In this manner, the amplitude of the signal supplied to theamplifiers 1 a-1 d is reduced if reflections are detected. This serves for the protection of theamplifiers 1 a-1 d. - In this context, the
amplifiers 1 a-1 d operate in the Doherty mode provided their respective frequency range corresponds to a desired frequency range of theamplifier arrangement 60. This is monitored by thecontrol device 56. Accordingly, two different procedures are possible. On the one hand, thecontrol device 56 can read out what the frequency ranges of theindividual amplifiers 1 a-1 d are. Thecontrol device 56 then adjusts theindividual amplifiers 1 a-1 d in turn in order to operate in the Doherty mode or in the broadband mode. A Doherty mode is thus adjusted if the frequency ranges agree. A broadband mode is adjusted if the frequency ranges do not agree. Alternatively, thecontrol device 56 merely communicates to theindividual amplifiers 1 a-1 d the desired frequency range of theamplifier arrangement 60. Theindividual amplifiers 1 a-1 d are then adjusted automatically to operate in the Doherty mode if the desired frequency range of theamplifier arrangement 60 corresponds to their own frequency range, and set a broadband mode if this is not the case. As an additional safety mechanism, theamplifiers 1 a-1 d preferably operate in the broadband mode if an error occurs in the transmission of the desired frequency range of theamplifier arrangement 60. This can safely prevent an amplifier from being operated in the incorrect frequency range. Via thecontrol input 57, the desired frequency range of theamplifier arrangement 60 is communicated to thecontrol device 56. -
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of thetransmitter system 80 according to the invention. The latter provides afirst transmitter 61, asecond transmitter 62 and athird transmitter 63. Furthermore, it provides aredundant transmitter 64. Thefirst transmitter 61 in this context providesamplifier arrangements 61 a-61 d. The latter each provide a first frequency range B1. Thesecond transmitter 62 accordingly providesamplifier arrangements 62 a-62 d. The latter each have a second frequency range B2. In turn, thethird transmitter 63 providesamplifier arrangements 63 a-63 d. The latter each have a frequency range B3. In this context, theredundant transmitter 64 providesamplifier arrangements 64 a-64 d. Theamplifier arrangement 64 a has a frequency range B3. The amplifier arrangement 64B accordingly provides a frequency range B1. In this context, theamplifier arrangement 64 c provides the frequency range B2. Accordingly, theamplifier arrangement 64 d has the frequency range B3. - Furthermore, the
transmitter system 80 contains acontrol device 71, which is embodied to control the transmitters 61-64, to switch on theredundant transmitter 64 when required and to switch off the transmitters 61-63 when required. It also communicates to the redundant transmitter which transmitter 61-63 it should take over from. - Furthermore, the transmitter system contains a switching and combining
device 73, which provides signal inputs 70 a-70 c. - The signals of the different frequency ranges B1-B3 are supplied via these signal inputs 70 a-70 c. The switching and combining
device 73 distributes the signals to the transmitters 61-64 and combines output signals of the transmitters 61-64. - An input signal is supplied to the switching and combining
device 73 via the terminals 70 a-70 c and supplied from the latter to the transmitters 61-63 and to theredundant transmitter 64. Provided no fault is present, only the transmitters 61-63 operate. Theredundant transmitter 64 is then deactivated. This is controlled by thecontrol device 71. The transmitters 61-63 distribute the signal to theindividual amplifier arrangements 61 a-61 d, 62 a-62 d and 63 a-63 d. Theindividual amplifier arrangements device 73, which combines and outputs the signal at thesignal output 72. For the sake of clarity, the presentation of further elements of the transmitter respectively the transmitter system, such as, filters etc. has been omitted here. - If
individual amplifier arrangements several amplifier arrangements redundant transmitter 64 is activated instead. This control is implemented by thecontrol device 71. Accordingly, theredundant transmitter 64 in the exemplary embodiment shown here always operates in the broadband mode. That is, the efficiency of thetransmitter system 80 declines as a result of the use of theredundant transmitter 64. - In the arrangement presented here, the failure of, for example, a single amplifier arrangement of a transmitter 61-63 would be tolerated. As soon as a second amplifier arrangement of a transmitter 61-63 fails, the changeover to the
redundant transmitter 64 is implemented. Alternatively, the changeover can also already be implemented in the event of a failure of the first amplifier arrangement. - In an alternative embodiment, the
redundant transmitter 64 could containonly amplifier arrangements 64 a-64 d of a single frequency range B1, B2 or B3. In this case, theredundant transmitter 64 can be operated in the Doherty mode in its respective frequency range B1, B2 or B3, if it replaces atransmitter - However, if the embodiment of the
redundant transmitter 64 illustrated in theFIG. 4 is used, theredundant transmitter 64 can serve at the same time as a replacement-part store for the other transmitters 61-63. If anamplifier arrangement 61 a-63 d of one of the transmitters 61-63 fails, anamplifier arrangement 64 a-64 d of the corresponding frequency range can be taken from theredundant transmitter 64 to replace the failed amplifier arrangement. However, in order to keep in reserve in all of the transmitters 61-63 and within theredundant transmitter 64 only functioning amplifier arrangements, an additionalredundant amplifier arrangement 90 is necessary as a replacement part. In this case, the latter provides a frequency range B3. It serves as a replacement part if one of theamplifier arrangements amplifier arrangement arbitrary amplifier arrangement redundant transmitter 64 can be implemented. - With a conventional transmitter system, however, amplifier arrangements of every frequency range and additionally broadband amplifier arrangements for the redundant transmitter are necessary as replacements. Accordingly, at least four amplifier arrangements are needed as replacements. With the transmitter system according to the invention, only a single
redundant amplifier arrangement 90 is necessary as a replacement part. - Finally,
FIG. 5 provides an overview of possible frequency ranges 30 a-30 c of different amplifiers in the Doherty mode. At the same time, thefrequency range 31 of an amplifier in the broadband mode is shown. It is clearly evident that the frequency ranges 30 a-30 c overlap at least partially. This ensures that a continuous frequency range is covered by the amplifiers in the Doherty mode. - In this context, the invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment presented. Of course, different numbers of amplifiers, respectively amplifier arrangements, respectively transmitters can also be used. Multiply nested Doherty amplifiers can also be used. All of the features described above or shown in the drawings can be arbitrarily combined with one another in an advantageous manner within the scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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DE102012219430.4A DE102012219430B4 (en) | 2012-10-24 | 2012-10-24 | Transmitter system with reconfigurable amplifiers |
DE102012219430.4 | 2012-10-24 | ||
DE102012219430 | 2012-10-24 | ||
PCT/EP2013/071695 WO2014063984A1 (en) | 2012-10-24 | 2013-10-17 | Transmitter system having reconfigurable amplifiers |
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US20150229282A1 true US20150229282A1 (en) | 2015-08-13 |
US9276528B2 US9276528B2 (en) | 2016-03-01 |
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US (1) | US9276528B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104471854B (en) |
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US20150188504A1 (en) * | 2012-07-05 | 2015-07-02 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Amplifier device and corresponding radio base station and mobile communication terminal |
US20160344087A1 (en) * | 2015-05-18 | 2016-11-24 | Cryoelectra Gmbh | Combiner arrangement |
US9948246B1 (en) * | 2016-10-18 | 2018-04-17 | Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. | Impedance flattening network for high efficiency wideband doherty power amplifier |
US10361661B2 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2019-07-23 | Nec Corporation | Power amplification apparatus and television signal transmission system |
US11095324B2 (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2021-08-17 | Realtek Semiconductor Corporation | Wireless transmission circuit and control method thereof |
EP4120561A4 (en) * | 2020-04-10 | 2023-09-06 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Signal processing method and apparatus |
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EP3399646B1 (en) * | 2017-05-05 | 2020-02-26 | Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG | Amplifier arrangement and method |
US10879849B2 (en) | 2018-12-21 | 2020-12-29 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Efficient operation of multi-carrier power amplifiers in dynamic carrier systems |
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- 2012-10-24 DE DE102012219430.4A patent/DE102012219430B4/en active Active
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2013
- 2013-10-17 US US14/422,625 patent/US9276528B2/en active Active
- 2013-10-17 CN CN201380038490.8A patent/CN104471854B/en active Active
- 2013-10-17 BR BR112014026549-6A patent/BR112014026549B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2013-10-17 WO PCT/EP2013/071695 patent/WO2014063984A1/en active Application Filing
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US20150188504A1 (en) * | 2012-07-05 | 2015-07-02 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Amplifier device and corresponding radio base station and mobile communication terminal |
US9425756B2 (en) * | 2012-07-05 | 2016-08-23 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Amplifier device and corresponding radio base station and mobile communication terminal |
US20160344087A1 (en) * | 2015-05-18 | 2016-11-24 | Cryoelectra Gmbh | Combiner arrangement |
US10361661B2 (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2019-07-23 | Nec Corporation | Power amplification apparatus and television signal transmission system |
US10498293B2 (en) | 2015-09-01 | 2019-12-03 | Nec Corporation | Power amplification apparatus and television signal transmission system |
US10873298B2 (en) | 2015-09-01 | 2020-12-22 | Nec Corporation | Power amplification apparatus and television signal transmission system |
US9948246B1 (en) * | 2016-10-18 | 2018-04-17 | Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. | Impedance flattening network for high efficiency wideband doherty power amplifier |
US20180109229A1 (en) * | 2016-10-18 | 2018-04-19 | Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. | Impedance Flattening Network for High Efficiency Wideband Doherty Power Amplifier |
US11095324B2 (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2021-08-17 | Realtek Semiconductor Corporation | Wireless transmission circuit and control method thereof |
EP4120561A4 (en) * | 2020-04-10 | 2023-09-06 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Signal processing method and apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US9276528B2 (en) | 2016-03-01 |
CN104471854B (en) | 2017-07-11 |
CN104471854A (en) | 2015-03-25 |
DE102012219430B4 (en) | 2023-07-06 |
DE102012219430A1 (en) | 2014-04-24 |
WO2014063984A1 (en) | 2014-05-01 |
BR112014026549B1 (en) | 2021-09-14 |
BR112014026549A2 (en) | 2017-06-27 |
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